Driving surface discharge plasma display panels

Abstract: A method of driving a surface discharge plasma display panel has a reset step of applying a pulse of a first voltage to paired first and second electrodes (X, Yi), a write step of applying a pulse of a second voltage to second and third electrodes (Yi, Aj) corresponding to cells (10) to be turned ON, and a sustain discharge step of applying an AC pulse of a fourth voltage to the paired first and second electrodes (X, Yi). The pulse of the first voltage is so set that it is higher than a first discharge start voltage, a third voltage caused by the discharge is higher than the first discharge start voltage, and the first, second, and third electrodes (X, Yi, Aj) have the same potential after the application of the pulse of the first voltage. Therefore, an address discharge of the surface discharge plasma display panel can be caused by a wide range of voltages, and display quality of the panel can be improved.

Description: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for driving surface discharge plasma display panels. Flat display panels such as three-electrode surface-discharge alternating-current plasma display panels (AC PDPs) may be required to have large screens, large capacity, and the ability to display full-colour images. In particular, AC PDPs may be required to provide more display lines and intensity levels and to be capable of rewriting their screens stably without decreasing the luminance of the screens. In a previously-considered driving method disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 4-195188 and Japanese Patent Application No. 4-340498, 256 shades of grey are realized by dividing a frame into eight sub-fields. In such a driving method, two or three discharges should be carried out during the reset period, so that wall charges become uniformly distributed, with a view to securing stable operation. However, such discharge can produce light even at parts of the panel which are supposed to be displaying black, and thus the contrast of the PDP can deteriorate. It is desirable to provide a method and an apparatus for driving a surface discharge plasma display panel with a satisfactorily wide range of operating potentials for causing address discharge, so as to improve the display quality of the panel. Further, it is desirable to provide a method and an apparatus for driving a surface discharge plasma display panel so that it displays black with satisfactorily low luminance, thereby improving the display quality of the panel. Consideration has been given to a line-by-line self-erase addressing method for driving a PDP, in which method wall charges (which are charges accumulated on the surface of a wall of a PDP) remain during a reset period, and have the effect of decreasing an address discharge. Fluctuations in such remanent wall charges, however, may narrow the range of operating potential available to provide stable operation of the PDP under various conditions. Such fluctuations can also vary the optimum values of the operating potentials, and thereby destabilize the operation of the PDP or lower the display quality thereof. EP-A-0549275 discloses another method of driving a surface discharge plasma display panel that has first and second substrates, arranged so that respective main surfaces thereof face one another with a discharge space therebetween containing a discharge gas, first elongate electrodes extending parallel to one another and arranged on the said first substrate at the said main surface thereof and covered by dielectric material, second elongate electrodes arranged on the said first substrate at the said main surface thereof and covered by dielectric material and arranged respectively adjacent and parallel to the said first elongate electrodes so as to form therewith pairs of first and second electrodes, which electrode pairs correspond respectively to separate display lines of the panel, and third elongate electrodes arranged on one of the said first and second substrates so as to be separated from the said electrode pairs whilst crossing them orthogonally to define, at respective crossing points, the locations of discharge cells of the panel, which cells can be turned ON and OFF selectively. This method comprises: a reset step of applying between the said first and second electrodes associated with a selected discharge cell a first voltage pulse, of a height greater than that needed to initiate a discharge in the said discharge space, so as to cause a potential difference to be built up, in the selected cell, by wall charges accumulated in the respective vicinities of those two electrodes; a write step of applying a second voltage pulse, between the second and third electrodes associated with the selected cell, so as to turn ON the selected cell; and a sustain step of applying a series of sustain voltage pulses, alternating in effective polarity, between the first and second electrodes so as to maintain the selected cell in the ON condition. In this method, however, the height of the first voltage pulse that is applied during the reset step is not such as to cause the built-up potential difference in the selected cell to be sufficiently large that a "self-erase" discharge occurs when the first, second and third electrodes associated with the cells are brought to the same potential as one another. For this reason, a narrow reset pulse must be applied to the second electrode to bring out an erase discharge in the line including the selected cell. A method of driving a surface discharge plasma display panel embodying a first aspect of the present invention is characterised in that the height of the said first voltage pulse is such that the said potential difference built up in the selected cell is greater than the minimum voltage needed to initiate such a discharge in that cell when the said first, second and third electrodes are held at the same potential as one another; and in that the said first, second, and third electrodes are held at the same potential as one another for a preset time, commencing upon termination of the said first voltage pulse, such as to enable a neutralizing discharge to occur in the said discharge space so as to substantially cancel out the respective wall charges in the vicinities of the said first and second associated electrodes before commencement of the said write step. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for driving a surface discharge plasma display panel having first and second substrates, arranged so that respective main surfaces thereof face one another with a discharge space therebetween containing a discharge gas, first elongate electrodes extending parallel to one another and arranged on the said first substrate at the said main surface thereof and covered by dielectric material, second elongate electrodes arranged on the said first substrate at the said main surface thereof and covered by dielectric material and arranged respectively adjacent and parallel to the said first elongate electrodes so as to form therewith pairs of first and second electrodes, which electrode pairs correspond respectively to separate display lines of the panel, and third elongate electrodes arranged on one of the said first and second substrates so as to be separated from the said electrode pairs whilst crossing them orthogonally to define, at respective crossing points, the locations of discharge cells of the panel, which cells can be turned ON and OFF selectively, which apparatus includes: reset means for causing a first voltage pulse to be applied between the said first and second electrodes associated with a selected discharge cell, the said first voltage pulse being of a height greater than that needed to initiate a discharge in the said discharge space, thereby to cause a potential difference to be built up, in the selected cell, by wall charges accumulated in the respective vicinities of those two electrodes; write means for causing a second voltage pulse to be applied, between the second and third electrodes associated with the selected cell, so as to turn ON the selected cell; and sustain means for applying a series of sustain voltage pulses, alternating in effective polarity, between the first and second electrodes so as to maintain the selected cell in the ON condition; characterised in that the height of the said first voltage pulse is such that the said potential difference built up in the selected cell, when the apparatus is in use, is greater than the minimum voltage needed to initiate such a discharge in that cell when the said first, second and third electrodes are held at the same potential as one another; includes means for holding the said first, second, and third electrodes at the same potential as one another for a preset time, commencing upon termination of the said first voltage pulse, such as to enable a neutralizing discharge to occur in the said discharge space so as to substantially cancel out the respective wall charges in the vicinities of the said first and second associated electrodes before the said second voltage pulse is applied by the said write means. The first voltage pulse may be generated by applying a sustain voltage pulse to one of the electrodes of the said one pair and a further voltage pulse, opposite in polarity to that sustain voltage pulse, to the other electrode of the said one pair. The potential of the third electrodes may be held substantially equal to the average of the potential of the first and second electrodes during the application of the first voltage pulse. The first voltage pulse may be applied entirely to one of the electrodes of the said pair whilst the other electrode is held at ground level. The potential of the third electrodes may be held at a ground level during the application of the first voltage pulse. The potential of the first, second and third electrodes may be held at ground level immediately before and immediately after the application of the first voltage pulse. The first and second electrodes of the said one pair and the said selected third electrode may be held at the same potential as one another from the termination of the said first voltage pulse until the application of the said second voltage pulse. An erase voltage pulse that increases gently in magnitude to a final height lower than that needed to initiate a surface discharge between the first and second electrodes may be applied between the said first and second electrodes of the said one pair after the end of the said preset time but before commencement of the said write step, which erase voltage pulse can combine in effect with a potential difference due to residual wall charges remaining in the vicinities of the first and second electrodes of the said one pair, after the said neutralizing discharge, to produce a discharge serving to cancel such residual wall charges. The effectiveness of the said erase pulse may be enhanced by applying first and second further voltage pulses, each of a magnitude lower than that needed to initiate a surface discharge between the first and second electrodes of the said one pair, between the first and second electrodes of the said one pair during an interval between the end of the said preset time and the application of the said erase voltage pulse, the first further voltage pulse being effectively opposite in polarity to the said first voltage pulse, and the second further voltage pulse being effectively of the same polarity as the said first voltage pulse, so that the two further voltage pulses can combine with the effects of such residual wall charges to produce respective discharges each serving to invert the distribution of those wall charges. If the said second voltage pulse is of a height greater than that needed to initiate a discharge between the said second and third electrodes, a third voltage pulse may be applied between the first and second electrodes of the said one pair, at the same time as the said second voltage pulse is applied, the height of the third voltage pulse being greater than or equal to a functional minimum value for the said sustain voltage pulses but less than the minimum voltage needed to initiate a surface discharge between the said first and second electrodes. The height of the third voltage pulse may be close to the said minimum voltage needed to initiate a surface discharge between the first and second electrodes. The width (pulse length) of the second voltage pulse may be smaller than that of the third voltage pulse. The second voltage pulse may be produced by applying a positive voltage pulse to the said selected third electrode and a negative voltage pulse to the second electrode of the said one pair; and the said third voltage pulse may be produced by holding the said first electrode at the potential applied, during the said second voltage pulse, to the selected third electrode while the said negative voltage pulse is applied to that second electrode. The magnitude of the said negative voltage pulse may be in the range from about 1/4 to about 3/4 of the magnitude of the said third voltage. The potential of the third electrodes may be held positive, with respect to the ground level, during the sustain step. At a time between the write step and the sustain step an additional voltage pulse may be applied simultaneously to the said first and second electrodes so as give them a potential, relative to the said third electrodes, that is positive and of a magnitude in a range from about 1/4 to about 3/4 of the magnitude of the said sustain voltage pulses. A drive circuit output connected to the third electrodes may be provided with high impedance during the sustain step. All of the said discharge cells may be subjected simultaneously to the reset step; the second electrodes may then be sequentially subjected to such write steps; and all of the said pairs of first and second electrodes may be subjected simultaneously to the sustain step. An apparatus for putting into effect an embodiment of the present invention may include means operative to apply positive voltage pulses to the said second electrodes during the said sustain step, and to apply a negative voltage to the said second electrodes during the said write step. In such apparatus, all of the said first electrodes may be connected to an output of a common first electrode driver, the said second electrodes may be connected to respective outputs of individual second-electrode drive circuits, which drive circuits are all connected to receive operating power from a common second-electrode driver, and the said third electrodes may be connected to respective outputs of a third-electrode drive circuit. The said common second-electrode driver may include first switching means switchable into an open condition for preventing unwanted current flow into the said individual second-electrode drive circuits from being caused by the said negative and positive voltage pulses applied during the said write and sustain steps. Such apparatus may further comprise second switching means, switchable to apply the said negative voltage to the said second electrodes and thereupon to switch the said first switching means into the said open condition. The said plasma display panel may have a phosphor layer formed over the said main surface of the second substrate. Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1A shows a cross-sectional view of a discharge cell in a plasma display panel; Fig. 1B is a diagram schematically showing a plan view of parts of a plasma display panel; Fig. 1C is a block diagram showing an example of a three-electrode surface-discharge alternating-current plasma display panel device including the plasma display panel of Fig. 1B; Fig. 2 is a diagram showing voltage waveforms applied to electrodes in a first previously-considered plasma display panel driving method; Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining changes in drive cycles in display lines according to the driving method of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a diagram showing voltage waveforms applied to electrodes in a second previously-considered plasma display panel driving method; Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a frame for displaying 256 shades of grey in the method of Fig. 4; Figs. 6A to 6F are diagrams for explaining, in principle, processes involved in the erasing of wall charges in an embodiment of the present invention; Figs. 7A to 7C are diagrams showing voltage waveforms that may be applied to electrodes in the processes of Figs. 6A to 6F; Fig. 8 is a diagram showing voltage waveforms applied to electrodes in a plasma display panel driving method employed in a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 9 is a diagram showing voltage waveforms applied to electrodes in a plasma display panel driving method employed in a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 10 is a diagram showing voltage waveforms applied to electrodes in a plasma display panel driving method employed in a third embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 11 is a diagram showing voltage waveforms applied to electrodes in a plasma display panel driving method employed in a fourth embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 12 is a diagram showing voltage waveforms applied to electrodes in a plasma display panel driving method employed in a fifth embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 13 is a diagram showing voltage waveforms applied to electrodes in a plasma display panel driving method employed in a sixth embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing a plasma display unit used in a seventh embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 15 is a circuit diagram schematically showing drive circuits for a display cell contained in the unit of Fig. 14; Fig. 16 is a circuit diagram showing the details of a Y-drive circuit of Fig. 15; Fig. 17 consisting of Figs. 17A and 17B, shows voltage waveforms applied to electrodes, and the ON/OFF states of switch elements, of the circuit of Fig. 15; Fig. 18 is a circuit diagram showing an X-drive circuit of Fig. 15; Fig. 19 is a circuit diagram showing an address electrode drive circuit of Fig. 15; Fig. 20 is a circuit diagram showing a Yi-drive circuit of Fig. 15; and Figs. 21A and 21B are truth tables showing corresponding operating states of logic circuits of Figs. 19 and 20. Fig. 1B shows an arrangement of linear electrodes, for displaying m x n pixels, of a "three-electrode" surface discharge plasma display panel Fig. 1A shows a sectional diagram of a cell 10, for providing one display pixel, at an intersection of an "i"th line electrode (Yi) and a "j"th column electrode (Aj) of the plasma display panel (PDP) of Fig. 1B. As can be seen in Fig. 1A, the display panel has a rear glass substrate 11, a dielectric layer 12, a MgO protective film 13, a front glass substrate 14, partition walls 16, fluorescent material 15 (dielectric phosphor) deposited between the walls 16, and a discharge space 17. Fig. 1A also shows an address electrode Aj, and a pair of first and second electrodes X and Yi which run perpendicular to the plane of the figure. The sustain electrodes X and Yi are formed on the front main face of the rear glass substrate 11 and are covered by the dielectric layer 12, which is itself covered by the MgO protective film 13. The address electrode Aj extends in the plane of the figure and is formed on the rear main face of the glass substrate 14. The address electrode Aj is covered with the dielectric phosphor material 15 between the partition walls 16, which are formed on the glass substrate 14 along boundaries of the cell 10. The discharge space 17, between the substrates 11 and 14, is bounded by the MgO protective film 13 and the phosphor material 15. A Penning mixture such as Ne+Xe is sealed in the space 17. As shown in Fig. 1B, the PDP (plasma display panel) has "n x m" pixels, with i = 1 to n and j = 1 to m. To enable an individual selected cell (pixel), where a selected one of the second sustain electrodes Yi is crossed by a selected one of the address electrodes Aj, to be turned ON or OFF as desired the second sustain electrodes Yi to Yn are insulated from one another, and the address electrodes A1 to Am are insulated from one another. The first sustain electrodes X extend respectively between, and parallel to, consecutive second sustain electrodes Y1 to Yn, and respective corresponding first ends of the sustain electrodes X are connected together in common. Figure 1C shows an example of a three-electrode surface-discharge alternating-current plasma display panel (AC PDP) device using the plasma display panel shown in Fig. 1B. In Fig. 1C, reference numeral 110 denotes a control circuit, 111 denotes a display data controller, 112 denotes a frame memory, 113 denotes a panel drive controller, 114 denotes a scan driver controller, and 115 denotes a common driver controller. Furthermore, reference numeral 121 denotes an address driver, 123 denotes a Y scan driver, and 130 denotes the plasma display panel. In Fig. 1C, CLOCK(DOT CLOCK) denotes a dot clock signal, DATA(DISPLAY DATA) denotes display data (in the case of 256 grey scales, 8 bits for each colour: 3 x 8). VERTICAL SYNCHRONOUS SIGNAL denotes a vertical synchronous signal which indicates the beginning of a frame (one field), and a HORIZONTAL SYNCHRONOUS SIGNAL input is also shown. As shown in Fig. 1C, the control circuit 110 comprises the display data controller 111 and the panel drive controller 113. The display data controller 111 stores the display data in the frame memory 112 and then transfers it to the address driver 121 in synchrony with a driving timing signal of the panel. In the figure A-DATA denotes display data and A-CLOCK denotes a transfer clock signal. The panel driver controller 113 determines when to apply a high voltage signal (pulse) to the panel (PDP) 130 and includes the scan driver controller 114 and the common driver controller 115. Y-DATA denotes scan data (data for turning ON a Y scan driver - every Y electrode), Y-CLOCK denotes a transfer clock (a clock for turning ON a Y scan driver - every Y electrode), Y-STB1 denotes a Y strobe-1 (a signal for regulating the timing of turning ON the Y scan driver 123), and Y-STB2 denotes a Y strobe-2. Furthermore, X-UD denotes a signal (outputs Vs/Vw) for controlling the ON/OFF of a common driver 122 of the X electrodes, X-DD denotes a signal (GND) for controlling the ON/OFF of the X driver 122, Y-UD denotes a signal (outputs Vs/Vw) for controlling the ON/OFF of a Y-electrode common driver, and Y-DD denotes a signal (GND) for controlling the ON/OFF of the Y driver 124. As shown in Fig. 1C, each of the address electrodes 103 (A1 to Am) is connected to the address driver 121 and receives an address pulse at an address discharge time from the address driver. Each of the Y electrodes 108 (Y1 to Yn) is individually connected to the Y scan driver 123, which is connected to the Y driver 124. An address discharge pulse is generated by the Y scan driver 123, and sustain pulses and others are generated by the Y driver 124 and applied to the Y electrodes 108 through the Y scan driver 123. The X electrodes 107, which correspond (together with respective adjacent Y electrodes) to respective display lines of the panel 130, are connected in common to an output of the X driver 122, which is used to generate write pulses, sustain pulses, and the like. The driver circuits 121, 122, 123 and 124 are controlled by the control circuit 110, which is controlled by synchronous signals, display data signals, and the like, supplied from outside the AC PDP device. Figure 2 shows previously-considered sequences of driving voltage signals applied to electrodes of the PDP. More specifically, Fig. 2 illustrates one driving cycle in a previously-considered "line-by-line self-erase addressing method". In this previously-considered line-by-line self-erase addressing method, the sustain electrodes Yi are sequentially selected from Y1 to Yn. In the following explanations, a selected one of the sustain electrodes Yi is represented by Ys and the remaining unselected electrodes by Yt. For example, if s = 1, then t = 2 to n. A display line of cells corresponding to the sustain electrode Ys is called the selected line, and lines of cells corresponding to the unselected sustain electrodes Yt are called the unselected lines. In the selected line, the address electrodes Aj corresponding to cells to be turned ON (selected) are represented by Aa and the cells to be turned OFF (unselected) are represented by Ab. Initially, when the unselected sustain electrodes Yt are set to 0 V, a pulse of a write voltage VW is applied to the sustain electrodes X. At the same time, a pulse of a negative sustain voltage VS is applied to the selected sustain electrode Ys. If a discharge start voltage between the pair of sustain electrodes (X, Ys) corresponding to a selected cell is represented by Vfxy, then the write voltage VW is set as follows: VS + VW > Vfxy > VW (Note that the determining of the sustain voltage VS will be explained later). Accordingly, a surface discharge W is produced in all the cells of the selected line, between the corresponding paired sustain electrodes X and Ys. As the discharge develops, electrons, i.e. negative wall charges, accumulate on the protective film 13 in the vicinity of the sustain electrode X corresponding to the selected line (hereinafter referred to as the sustain electrode X side of the line). On the other hand, ions, i.e. positive wall charges, accumulate on the protective film 13 in the vicinity of the corresponding sustain electrode Ys. These wall charges reduce the strength of the effective electric field in the discharge cavity, so that the discharge comes to an end rapidly, within one to several microseconds. The potential difference built up due to the wall charges, at the end of the discharge, is Vwall1. Next, the sustain electrodes Ys and Yt are set to O V, and a sustain voltage pulse of -VS is applied to the sustain electrode X. The potential VS is set so that: VS + Vwall1 > Vfxy > VS As a result, a sustain discharge occurs between the sustain electrodes X and Ys of the selected line. In contrast to the previous case, positive wall charges accumulate in the vicinity of the sustain electrode X and negative wall charges in the vicinity of the sustain electrode Ys. The sustain electrodes X, the unselected electrodes Yt and the selected address electrodes Aa are then set to O V, and a sustain voltage pulse of -VS is applied to the selected electrode Ys. At the same time, an address pulse of VA is applied to address electrodes Aj, and a discharge is produced between the electrodes X and Ys of the selected line. The voltage needed to initiate a discharge between the address electrodes Aj and the sustain electrodes Yi is Vfay, and the potential of the wall charges on the sustain electrode Ys side when the address pulse is applied is Vwall2. The potential VA is therefore set as follows: VA + VS + Vwall2 > Vfay > VS in order to cause an address-level discharge between the selected second electrode Ys and the third electrodes Aj. For the cells to be turned OFF in the selected line, the voltage between the unselected address electrodes Ab and the selected sustain electrode Ys causes the address discharge to excessively accumulate positive wall charges in the vicinity of the sustain electrode Ys. The potential VA is set so that the wall charges themselves initiate a self-erase discharge between the sustain electrodes X and Yi after the address-level discharge when the sustain electrodes X and Ys and the address electrodes Aj are set to O V. This self-erase discharge cannot eliminate all of the wall charges because the amount of accumulated wall charge and the time elapsed since the application of the address pulse are both insufficient. However, the residual wall charges will cause no problem if they cause no sustain-level discharge when a sustain voltage pulse is added to them. The cells that have satisfactorily self-erase discharged should not cause a sustain level discharge and should be kept in an OFF state even if sustain voltage pulses are alternately applied to the sustain electrodes X and Yi. At the cells that are to be turned ON, an address voltage pulse is applied to the address electrodes Aj so that the sustain voltage pulses repeatedly cause a sustain-level discharge in those cells. Figure 3 shows changing drive cycles in display lines. The abscissa indicates time and the ordinate indicates the display line. In Fig. 3, W denotes a drive cycle for writing display data, S denotes a drive cycle for carrying out sustain discharge in the present field, and s denotes a drive cycle for carrying out sustain discharge in the preceding field. Figure 4 shows a second previously-considered sub-field of voltage waveforms applied to the electrodes of a cell, for driving the PDP. This driving method employs a separate address-sustain self-erase discharge for each electrode Yi. Each sub-field involves a reset period which leaves a small quantity of wall charge in every cell, an address period in which an address discharge is used to accumulate wall charges in pixels (cells) to be turned ON, and a sustain discharge period in which sustain voltage pulses are applied alternately to the X and Yi electrodes so that those accumulated wall charges in the cells that have previously been turned ON combine with the sustain voltage pulses to cause a sustain discharge. During the reset period, the electrodes Y1 to Yn are set to 0 V, and a voltage pulse of VS+VW is applied to the first electrodes X. The potential VW is determined to satisfy the above equation (1). This applied voltage causes an overall write-level discharge W, between the sustain electrodes X and all of the electrodes Y1 to Yn. Next, the sustain electrodes X are set to 0 V, and a sustain pulse of VS is applied to the sustain electrodes Y1 to Yn. The potential VS is set so as to satisfy the above equation (2). This applied voltage pulse causes an overall sustain-level discharge S between the electrodes X and all of the electrodes Y1 to Yn. The sustain electrodes Y1 to Yn are then held at O V, and an erase pulse lower than VS is applied to the sustain electrodes X. At the same time, an address pulse (not shown) is applied to the address electrodes Ab, to partly neutralize and reduce the wall charges, but some negative wall charges are left on the sustain electrodes Y1 to Yn. These residual wall charges enable the next address discharge to be achieved with a low address voltage pulse VA as described below. The quantity of accumulated wall charge is ideally set so that the cells that have not caused an address discharge during the address period never cause a sustain discharge in response to the application of sustain voltage pulses during the sustain discharge period. Next, the address period starts. The sustain electrodes X and Y1 to Yn are held at a voltage VS. Then the sustain electrode Y1 alone is selected by applying a scan voltage pulse thereto. At the same time, an address voltage pulse VA is applied to the address electrodes Aa corresponding to cells to be turned ON in the selected line. The application of the scan and address voltage pulses causes write discharge in the selected cells. After completion of such write operations, a sustain discharge period begins, in which all the sustain electrodes Y1 to Yn are driven by the same voltage waveform, and a series of sustain voltage pulses are alternately applied to the sustain electrodes X and Y, to turn ON the cells to which data has been written in the address period. The driving method of Fig. 4 makes wall charges remain during the reset period, to decrease the address discharge voltage. Fluctuations in the quantity of residual wall charges limit the range of values of VA at which stable operation of the PDP under various conditions can be achieved. The fluctuations also change the optimum value of the voltage VA, which destabilizes the operation of the PDP or lowers the display quality thereof. The quantity of residual wall charges fluctuates, for the following reasons. Firstly, the wall charges formed by the overall write-level discharge are dependent on an ON state of the preceding operation (sub-field). Secondly, the impedance of drive circuits, including the electrodes of the PDP, fluctuate in dependence on temperature and vary the discharge characteristics. Thirdly, the discharge characteristics of the cells are dependent on temperature. The driving method of Fig. 2 accumulates wall charges in the vicinities of the sustain electrodes X and Ys before the address discharge, which causes the problem mentioned above. Furthermore, in the driving method of Fig. 4 the luminance is dependent upon the length of the sustain discharge period, i.e. the number of sustain voltage pulses. As shown in Fig. 5, a frame is divided into eight sub-fields SF1 to SF8. The ratio of the sustain discharge periods of the sub-fields SF1 to SF8 is 1:2:4:8:16:32:64:128 so that 256 shades of grey can be displayed. If a screen is written at 60 Hz, a frame will last for 16.6 milliseconds. If one frame involves 510 sustain discharge cycles (each with two pulses of discharge), the numbers of sustain discharge cycles in the sub-fields SF1 to SF8 are 2, 4, 8, 16, 32,64, 128, and 256, respectively. If the period of the sustain discharge cycle (two pulses) is eight microseconds, the total sustain discharge period in one frame will be 4.08 milliseconds. If each sub-field includes a reset period of about 50 microseconds, an address cycle for driving one line of a PDP of 500 lines will take 3 microseconds. It is important to carry out two or three discharge periods (three discharge cycles) in the reset period, to achieve uniform distribution of the wall charges and thereby stability of operation. This discharge, however, produces light even where black should be displayed, reducing contrast. In the driving methods of Figs. 4 and 5, the maximum number of sustain discharge pulses in one frame is, for example, 510 x 2 = 1020. A reset period in one sub-field involves three discharge periods, i.e. the overall write-level discharge, sustain-level discharge, and erase discharge. These three discharge operations are stronger than the sustain discharge carried out in the sustain discharge period. Accordingly, the brightness of a pixel due to these three discharge periods is about five times that due to a normal sustain discharge. Accordingly, the ratio of the maximum luminance to the minimum luminance (the luminance of a black pixel) is 1020:5x8, which is approximately 26:1. This ratio applies for a dark room. In a lighted room, surface reflection of the PDP reduces contrast so that there is no point in attempting to display many shades of grey. However, since the quality of black is an important factor for the display quality of images, the contrast is still important. The driving method of Fig. 2 subjects every cell in a selected line to three discharge periods, i.e. the write-level discharge W, the succeeding sustain-level discharge S, and the sustain discharge S carried out in parallel with the address discharge, even in cells to be turned OFF. These discharge operations may reduce the ratio of maximum luminance to minimum luminance (black), similarly to the previous case. Figures 6A to 6F show how self-erasing of wall charges is achieved according to a principle of an embodiment of the present invention, and Figs. 7a to 7C show voltage waveforms applied to electrodes to bring about the process illustrated in Figs. 6A to 6F. In this embodiment, the surface discharge plasma display panel has first and second electrodes X and Yi arranged on a first substrate, parallel with one another, and paired for respective display lines. A second substrate is spaced apart from and faces the first substrate, and third electrodes Aj are arranged on the first or second substrate. The third electrodes (Aj) are separated from the first and second electrodes and extend orthogonally thereto. The first and second electrodes X and Yi are covered with a wall charge accumulating dielectric layer. A phosphor layer is formed over the second substrate, and this layer bounds a cavity, forming a discharge space between the first and second substrate in which a discharge gas is sealed. Individual cells (pixels) are defined at respective locations where the pairs of first and second electrodes are crossed by the third electrodes Aj. In this embodiment, a reset is carried out in which a first voltage pulse higher than a first discharge start voltage is applied between the first and second electrodes (X, Yi) of a pair, to cause a discharge between those electrodes such that wall charges are uniformly distributed over the dielectric layer. A write step is then carried out in which a second voltage pulse is applied between the second and third electrodes corresponding to cells to be turned ON, to cause a discharge between those electrodes so that, in the cells to be turned ON, respective first and second wall charges, of opposite polarity to one another but each of at least a predetermined magnitude, are accumulated on the dielectric layer in the vicinities of the first (X) and second (Yi) electrodes. A sustain discharge step is then carried out, in which a series of sustain voltage pulses, alternating in effective polarity, is applied between the paired first and second electrodes X and Yi so that the sum of a third voltage, existing between the first and second wall charges, and the sustain voltage having the same polarity as that third voltage exceeds a first discharge start voltage needed to turn ON the cells concerned, and so that such first and second wall charges, alternating in polarity, are built up during each sustain discharge. These steps are repeated so that the polarity of the first voltage pulse in the sustain discharge step may be opposite to the polarity of the said first voltage pulse in the reset step. Figs. 7A to 7C shows different ways in which the first voltage pulse (between X and Yi) can effectively be made higher than the first discharge start voltage (not shown), the third voltage (not shown) caused by the discharge being also higher than the first discharge start voltage. Note that the first, second and third electrodes are brought to the same potential upon termination of the first voltage pulse. In Figs. 6A to 6F, the third electrodes Aj are shown formed on the second (upper) substrate. An embodiment of the present invention is possible, however, in which the third electrodes Aj are formed on the first substrate, either on its upper side, facing the second substrate, or on its opposite (lower) side. The reset step of the present embodiment will be explained below with reference to Figs. 6A to 6F and 7A to 7C. Fig. 6A illustrates the situation immediately before the reset step (process (b)) is commenced. Residual wall charges are present which differ in magnitude from cell to cell, depending on the preceding display conditions. A preceding sustain process was terminated in such a way as to ensure that a first voltage pulse applied in the next step, process (b), will be reinforced additively by the wall charges. Fig. 6B illustrates process (b) in which the first voltage pulse is applied between the first and second electrodes X and Yi. This first voltage pulse is higher than the first discharge start voltage between the first and second electrodes X and Yi so that, even if there were no wall charges, it would produce a relatively large discharge, as compared with that produced during the sustain process, between these electrodes. As shown in Fig. 6C (process (c)), electrons and positive ions produced by the resulting discharge are attracted by the first and second electrodes X and Yi respectively, whose polarities are opposite respectively to those of the electrons and ions. The electrons and ions are accumulated on the dielectric layer, to form a first wall charge in the vicinity of the first electrode X and a second wall charge in the vicinity of the second electrode Yi. These wall charges reduce the strength of the effective electric field in the discharge space, so that the discharge quickly ends - within one to several microseconds. The magnitude of the first voltage pulse is so set that the voltage due to the first and second accumulated wall charges alone, upon termination of the discharge caused by the first voltage pulse, is higher than the first discharge start voltage. Accordingly, a reverse surface discharge, strong in comparison with the sustain discharge, is then initiated by these wall charges, as illustrated in Fig. 6D, when the first, second and third electrodes are reset to the same potential as one another. This state is maintained for a preset time such that the discharge leaves virtually no residual wall charges accumulated on the dielectric layer, as shown in Fig. 6E, and space charges are almost completely neutralized. Such a self-erase discharge would not normally be caused by a sustain surface discharge, even if the first, second and third electrodes were held at the same potential as one another during the sustain discharge process. Although not shown in Fig. 6F, after the self-erase discharge the cavity (discharge space) may contain some space charges that have not recombined. These space charges can provide a priming effect, enabling a surface discharge in the next address discharge period to be caused more easily. The delay time needed for near completion of the self-erase discharge is about five microseconds or more. It is dependent on the material and size of the cells and the kind and concentration of the sealed discharge gas. If this wait time is too long, time available for other processes will be shortened and the priming effect will be reduced. Accordingly, the wait time must usually be shorter than 50 microseconds. The present embodiment carries out a self-erase discharge to almost completely neutralize the wall charges, and to equalize conditions around the first and second electrodes when writing data in cells to be turned ON. This results in an expansion of the range of write voltages usable in the write step, which can achieve stable address discharge independently of any fluctuations in temperature that might otherwise cause fluctuations in charge distributions existing immediately before the write discharge. Thus the first embodiment of the present invention can prevent write errors and can improve the display quality of the PDP. For cells that are not to be turned ON, no discharge is carried out between the first and second electrodes after the self-erase discharge. This serves to improve the ratio of the maximum luminance to the minimum luminance (for displaying black), as well as the display quality of shades of grey, compared with previously-considered methods. The potential of the third electrodes Aj is held at about the average of the respective potentials of the first and second electrodes X and Yi while the first voltage pulse is being applied, as shown in Figs. 7A to 7C. Therefore, the voltage between the third electrode Aj and the first electrode X is of substantially the same magnitude as, and of opposite polarity to, the voltage between the third electrode Aj and the second electrode Yj. Accordingly, the third electrode Aj has substantially the same attractive force on both positive and negative charges, and therefore positive and negative charges tend to be neutralized on the third electrode Aj. As a result, substantially no wall charges are accumulated on the dielectric layer covering the third electrode Aj, which facilitates satisfactory operation of the first embodiment. The first voltage pulse may be generated by holding the second electrode Yi of the cell at ground level and applying a positive voltage pulse to the first electrode X, as shown in Fig. 7A. Such generation does not require a high negative voltage pulse, so that a simple, compact and inexpensive power source may be employed for the PDP drive circuit. Alternatively the potential of the third electrode Aj may be held at substantially ground level during the application of the first voltage pulse, as shown in Fig. 7B. This configuration can allow a reduction in power source requirements. The potential of the first, second and third electrodes X, Yi and Aj are preferably held at ground level both before and after the application of the first voltage pulse, as shown in Figs. 7A to 7C. Below, further examples of a method and an apparatus for driving a surface discharge plasma display panel in accordance with embodiments of the present invention will be explained, with reference to the accompanying drawings. A typical plasma display panel (PDP) to which the following embodiments are applicable has a cell structure as shown in Fig. 1A. A selected one of the sustain electrodes Yi is represented below by Ys and the remaining unselected electrodes by Yt. A line of cells corresponding to the sustain electrode Ys is called a selected line, and a line of cells corresponding to one of the sustain electrodes Yt is called an unselected line. In the selected line, the address electrodes Aj corresponding to cells to be turned ON are represented by Aa and those to be turned OFF by Ab. Figure 8 shows a drive cycle of voltage waveforms applied to the electrodes of a panel in a first embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 8, reference mark W denotes a write-level discharge in all cells in a selected line (total write discharge), C denotes a self-erase discharge in all cells in the selected line (total self-erase discharge), A denotes a write address discharge in specified cells in the selected line, and S denotes a sustain discharge. This first embodiment employs a line-by-line write address method, in which the sustain electrodes Yi are selected sequentially from Y1 to Yn. Firstly (at time a), the address electrodes Aj and the unselected sustain electrodes Yt are held at 0 V, and a write voltage pulse of Vw is applied to the sustain electrodes X. At the same time, a sustain voltage pulse of -Vs is applied to the selected sustain electrode Ys. Before this process (a), i.e. in the last stage of the previous drive cycle, either no charges or only positive wall charges are accumulated in the vicinity of the electrodes X, and either no charges or negative wall charges are accumulated in the vicinity of the sustain electrode Ys. This is achieved by setting the polarity of the write pulse opposite to the polarity of the last sustain pulse of the preceding drive cycle. The values of Vw and Vs are set so that: Vw + Vs ≥ Vf where Vf is the first discharge start voltage. Accordingly, a write discharge W occurs between the sustain electrodes X and Ys in all cells in the selected line. For example, Vw = 130 V, Vs = 180 V, and Vf = 290V. Since the voltage Vw + Vs of the first voltage pulse is sufficiently higher than the voltage Vs of the sustain pulse, a surface discharge is produced that is strong as compared with a sustain discharge. As the discharge progresses, negative wall charges accumulate on the dielectric layer in the vicinity of the electrode X and positive wall charges in the vicinity of the electrode Ys. These wall charges reduce the strength of the effective electric field in the discharge cavity, so that the discharge ends within a period of one to several microseconds. The potential difference between the two accumulations of wall charges when the discharge ends is Vwall3. The height of the first voltage pulse is set so that the voltage Vwall3 satisfies the following condition: Vwall3 > Vf Next (b), the first and second electrodes X and Ys are simultaneously returned to 0 V. According to equation (5), the potential difference built up between the wall charges in the vicinity of the first electrode X and the wall charges in the vicinity of the second electrode Yi is greater than that needed to initiate a surface discharge between the first and second electrodes of the cell, and so causes a self-erase discharge C. Since the potentials of the first electrode X, the second electrode Ys, and the address (third) electrode Aj are each 0 V, and since the magnitude of the self-erase discharge C is relatively large, space charges produced by the discharge do not accumulate (theoretically zero) to form wall charges on the dielectric layers in the vicinities of the electrodes X and Ys and the address electrodes Aj. The space charges recombine in the discharge cavity and are nearly completely neutralized. In practice the cavity may contain a small quantity of residual charges that have not recombined, but these space charges serve to facilitate the next address discharge by providing a priming effect. A preset wait time allowed for near completion of the self-erase discharge is about 5 to 50 microseconds, e.g. 20 microseconds, after the termination of the first voltage pulse, this being dependent upon the material and size of the cells and the kind and concentration of the discharge gas. At time "c", the electrodes X, the unselected electrodes Yt and the unselected address electrodes Ab are set to 0 V. Also, a pulse of -Vs is applied to the electrode Ys, and an address pulse of Va is applied to the selected address electrodes Aa. The values of Va and Vs are set as follows: Vsmin ≤ Vs < Vfxymin Va + Vs ≥ Vfaymax where Vsmin is the minimum voltage effective to produce sustain discharges in all cells in the PDP, Vfxymin is a minimum effective discharge start voltage between the electrodes X and the electrodes Y1 to Yn, and Vfaymax is the discharge start voltage between the address and sustain electrodes Aj and Yi of the cell having the largest discharge start voltage. In each selected cell, to be turned ON, an address discharge is caused between the selected address electrode Aa and the selected sustain electrode Ys, and this discharge triggers a discharge between the sustain electrodes X and Ys of the cell. Negative and positive wall charges accumulate on the sustain electrodes X and Ys respectively, so that sustain discharge voltage pulses to be applied to the cells can maintain a sustain discharge. However, in the non-selected cells, intended to be OFF, no discharge is produced between the sustain electrodes X and Ys. Next (d), after all electrodes have been returned to 0 V, a sustain pulse of -Vs is applied to the sustain electrodes X. This causes a sustain discharge only in the cells turned ON by the address discharge. This sustain discharge accumulates positive and negative wall charges on the sustain electrodes X and Yi respectively. At time "e", after all electrodes have again been set to 0 V, a sustain pulse of -Vs is applied to the sustain electrodes Y1 to Yn, to cause further sustain discharge in the cells where sustain discharge occurred at time d. This discharge leads to the accumulation of negative and positive wall charges on the sustain electrodes X and Yi respectively. The application of sustain voltage pulses is repeatedly carried out so that a series of sustain voltage pulses, which alternate in effective polarity, is applied between the electrodes X and Yi. As described above, a first embodiment of the present invention performs a write-level discharge in all cells in a selected line and then performs a self-erase discharge to nearly completely neutralize wall charges. Accordingly, the conditions of all cells in the selected line are well equalized before display data is written into the selected line. This serves to prevent write errors and to facilitate attainment of high display quality. Further, unlike the method of Fig. 2, no discharge occurs between the sustain electrodes X and Ys in the unselected cells (turned OFF) at time c, so the number of light emitting discharges carried out in unselected (OFF) cells in a selected line is just two in the write cycle, which is 2/3 of the discharges occurring in the Fig. 2 method. Accordingly, the ratio of the maximum luminance to the minimum luminance (for displaying black) is increased by 3/2 as compared with the Fig. 2 method, thereby improving the display quality for different shades of grey. Figure 9 shows a sub-field of voltage waveforms (driving signals) applied to electrodes of a panel used in a second embodiment of the present invention. This method is a separate address-sustain discharge write address method. Each sub-field comprises a reset period for nearly completely erasing wall charges in all cells, an address period for producing an address discharge to accumulate wall charges in cells to be turned ON, and a sustain discharge period for adding sustain voltage pulses to the potential differences due to the accumulated wall charges, to cause sustain discharge only in the cells in which the address discharge occurred. Firstly (a), in the reset period, after all electrodes have been set to 0 V, a write voltage pulse of Vw is applied to the sustain electrodes X. At the same time, a voltage pulse of -Vs is applied to all of the sustain electrodes Y1 to Yn. In the last stage of the preceding sub-field of drive signals applied to the PDP, the polarity of the last sustain pulse applied to the sustain electrodes X is opposite to that of the write voltage pulse Vw. Accordingly, either no charges or only positive residual wall charges are at that time accumulated in the vicinities of the sustain electrodes X, and either no charges or only negative residual wall charges in the vicinities of the sustain electrodes Y1 to Yn. Thus, if there are any accumulated residual wall charges, they always have an additive effect in relation to the write voltage pulse. This is true for all embodiments mentioned below. As a result, total write discharge W occurs between the electrodes X and the electrodes Y1 to Yn. At time "b", the electrodes X and Ys are simultaneously returned to 0 V and, since condition (5) is satisfied, in each cell the potential difference between the wall charge on the sustain electrode X and the wall charge on the associated sustain electrode Yi causes a self-erase discharge C. As a result, substantially no residual wall charges are left accumulated in each cell, and space charges are nearly completely neutralized. At the start of the address period the electrodes X, the electrodes Y1 to Yn and the address electrodes A are set to 0 V, and at time "c" a pulse of voltage -Vs is applied to the electrode Y1. At the same time, an address voltage pulse of Va is applied to the selected address electrodes Aa. As a result, address discharge occurs between the selected address electrodes Aa and the electrode Y1 in the cells that are to be turned ON in the line corresponding to Y1. This address discharge triggers a surface discharge between the first and second electrodes X and Y1, in the cells to be turned ON, to accumulate negative and positive wall charges respectively in the vicinities of the electrodes X and Y1 of those cells. The magnitudes of the accumulated wall charges are sufficient to establish, between the electrodes X and Y1 of each such cell, a potential difference Vwall4 that is higher than that needed to cause a sustain discharge to occur when that potential difference is added to a sustain voltage pulse applied between the electrodes X and Y1 of the cell. No address discharge occurs in cells that are to be OFF, so no discharge is triggered between the electrodes X and Y1 in those cells. This operation is then carried out sequentially on the electrodes Y2 to Yn in turn. Thereafter the sustain discharge period starts, all electrodes being set to 0 V. At time "d" a sustain voltage pulse of -Vs is applied to the sustain electrode X, which causes sustain discharge only in the cells where the last address discharge occurred (i.e. in those cells in the ON condition). This sustain discharge accumulates positive and negative wall charges on the electrodes X and Yi of the cells concerned. The voltage Vs is set so that: Vs + Vwall4 > Vf > Vs which corresponds to the foregoing condition (2). All electrodes are then set to 0 V, and at time "e" a sustain voltage pulse of -Vs is applied to all the electrodes Y1 to Yn, but this produces sustain discharge only in the cells that are in an ON condition. The sustain discharges cause negative and positive wall charges to be accumulated on the first and second electrodes X and Yi respectively of the cells in the ON condition. The application of a -Vs voltage pulse alternately to the X and Yi electrodes is repeatedly carried out so that sustain discharges are repeatedly caused to occur in the cells in the ON condition. As described above, the second embodiment produces a total write-level discharge and then a self-erase discharge to nearly completely neutralize wall charges. Accordingly, the conditions of all cells in a selected line are equalized before display data is written into the selected line during the address period. Figure 10 shows a sub-field of voltage waveforms applied to electrodes of a panel in a third embodiment of the present invention. A scan driver and an X-common driver (X driver) for carrying out sustain discharge and total write discharge consume larger power than other drivers, and are, therefore, large. Since a positive pulse generator is simpler and cheaper than a negative pulse generator, the third embodiment of the present invention employs only positive pulses during reset and sustain discharge periods. In the reset period, all electrodes are first set to 0 V, and a first voltage pulse of Vs + Vw is applied to the electrodes X at time "a". Also at this time, a pulse of voltage Vaw is applied to the address electrodes A1 to Am. To produce the first voltage pulse this embodiment uses a main power source, which is also used for providing a sustain pulse voltage Vs and adds the potential Vw, to the potential Vs of the main power source, through a step-up circuit, to provide the required voltage Vs + Vw. The first voltage pulse Vs + Vw is set so as to satisfy condition (4). Accordingly, a total write-level discharge W occurs between the sustain electrodes X and the electrodes Y1 to Yn (i.e. in all cells). Such discharge could cause wall charges to be accumulated on the dielectric layer over the address electrodes Al to Am. The quantity of such wall charges is preferably as small as possible, so that the conditions of the address electrodes A1 to Am are equalized and the operation thereof during the address period is stabilised. If Vaw = (Vs + Vw)/2, the potential difference between the address electrodes A1 to Am and the electrodes X and has the same magnitude as, but opposite polarity to, the potential difference between the address electrodes A1 to Am and the electrodes Y1 to Yn, and the attractive force of the address electrodes A1 to Am on positive charges is equal to that on negative charges, with the result that positive and negative charges on the address electrodes A1 to Am are neutralized. In this way it can be ensured that substantially no wall charges accumulate on the address electrodes A1 to Am. However, the potential Vaw should preferably be low so as to allow a compact power source circuit to be used. Accordingly, a preferable range for the potential Vaw is given by the condition: (Vs + Vw) /4 ≤ Vaw ≤ (Vs + Vw)/2 At time "b", the address electrodes A1 to Am and sustain electrodes X are simultaneously returned to O V, and thus equalized to each other. A self-erase discharge C occurs then because the potential difference due to the wall charges on the electrodes X and Y1 to Yn is greater than that needed to initiate such a surface discharge between the first and second electrodes (X, Yi) of each cell. Accordingly, substantially no wall charges are left, and space charges are nearly completely neutralized. Next, the address period starts. At time "c", the electrodes X are set to Vax, and the unselected sustain electrodes Y2 to Yn are set to -Vsc. A scan voltage pulse of -Vy is applied first to the selected sustain electrode Y1, and at the same time an address voltage pulse of Va is applied to the selected address electrodes Aa. The unselected sustain electrodes Y2 to Yn are set to -Vsc so as to lower the necessary potential Va and hence reduce power consumption. A preferable value for Vsc is around (-Vy+Va)/2. The voltage values Vax, Vy, and Va are set as follows: Vsmin ≤ Vax + Vy < Vfxymin Va + Vy ≥ Vfaymax These conditions (6A) and (7A) correspond to the foregoing conditions (6) and (7) respectively. Address discharge is caused between the address electrodes Aa and sustain electrode Y1 in the cells to be turned ON in the first selected line. This discharge triggers a surface discharge between the sustain electrodes X and Y1 in those cells. As a result, negative and positive wall charges are accumulated in those cells, on the sustain electrodes X and Y1 respectively. The quantities of the wall charges are sufficient to cause sustain discharge in response to a sustain discharge pulse to be applied later. No address discharge occurs in the cells that are to be OFF, so no surface discharge occurs between the sustain electrodes X and Y1 in these cells. A preferred value of the voltage Vax will now be explained. It is preferable to reduce the load as much as possible on an address driver involved in a relatively large number of switching operations, so as to reduce the total power consumption. Thus, the potential Va applied to the address electrodes should be reduced within the limits defined by the condition (7A). So that a discharge between the address electrodes Aa and the sustain electrode Ys triggers a discharge between the first and second sustain electrodes X and Ys which causes a sufficient number of wall charges required for a sustain discharge to be accumulated, the voltage Vax+Vy applied between the sustain electrodes X and Ys may be increased to a value close to Vfxymin, under the restriction of condition (6A), in order to lower the necessary voltage Va. A weak discharge between the address electrodes Aa and the sustain electrode Ys can trigger a sufficient discharge between the sustain electrodes X and Ys. Setting Vax = Va reduces the number of the power source voltages, which simplifies the power source circuit. At time "d", the address electrodes A1 to Am are set to Vs/2, the sustain electrodes X being set to 0 V. Also, a sustain pulse of Vs is applied to the sustain electrodes Y1 to Yn. If the address electrodes A1 to Am were to be held at 0 V, potential differences due to negative wall charges on the address electrodes A1 to Am and positive wall charges on the sustain electrodes Y1 to Yn (accumulated during the address discharge) could be effectively added to the first sustain pulse, causing a discharge to occur between the address electrodes A1 to Am and the sustain electrodes Y1 to Yn before a sustain discharge occurs between the sustain electrodes X and Y1 to Yn. This could prevent sustain discharges from occurring between the sustain electrodes X and Y1 to Yn. To avoid this possibility, the positive voltage Vs/2 is applied to the address electrodes A1 to Am, in order to cancel an electric field produced by negative wall charges on the address electrodes A1 to Am. Thus, for reasons similar to those explained above with regard to the potential Vaw, the address electrodes A1 to Am are set to Vs/2, to reduce ions moving toward the address electrodes A1 to Am during the sustain discharge. This protects the phosphor 15 from sputtering. The voltage Vs is set to satisfy the condition (2A), so that sustain discharges S can be produced, in the cells in the ON state, by sustain voltage pulses applied between the sustain electrodes X and Y1 to Yn. Next, while the address electrodes A1 to Am are held at Vs/2, the sustain electrodes Y1 to Yn set to 0 V, and at time "e" a sustain voltage pulse of Vs is applied to the electrodes X. A series of sustain voltage pulses are applied alternately thereafter to the first and second electrodes X and Y1 to Yn, so that the cells in the ON condition are subjected to repeated sustain discharge. As explained above, when the first sustain voltage pulse is applied to the sustain electrodes Y1 to Yn in the sustain discharge period, the address electrodes A1 to An are set to Vs/2, to prevent discharge from occurring between the address electrodes Aj and the sustain electrodes Yi before the desired sustain discharge has occurred between the X and Yi electrodes. Thereafter the output of the address electrode drive circuit may be set to a high impedance state, which serves to reduce the power needed to maintain the output of the address electrode drive circuit at Vs/2. In an alternative embodiment, the output end of the address electrode drive circuit is set to a high impedance state, to reduce the quantity of ions accumulated on the address electrodes A1 to Am, at the beginning of the sustain discharge period. Figure 11 shows a sub-field of voltage waveforms applied to the electrodes during reset and address periods in a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this fourth embodiment, the voltage changes at times "a" and "b" are the same as those in Fig. 10. Accordingly, in normal cells, at the end of the preset wait time following time instant "b", wall charges are completely neutralized or reduced to such an extent that no display errors occur that are due to residual wall charges. However, because of defects in fabricating the PDP, some cells may have abnormal properties that can cause an insufficient self-erase discharge to occur, which leaves a large quantity of wall charges on the dielectric layer, or that can achieve no self-erase discharge, which leaves unchanged the wall charges accumulated by the total write-level discharge. These abnormal cells may therefore emit light undesirably during the sustain discharge period, even when no address discharge has occurred therein. Accordingly, the fourth embodiment forcibly discharges and erases such remaining wall charges before the address discharge occurs, thereby to prevent undesired emission of light by cells in the OFF condition during the sustain discharge period. At time "b" all of the electrodes are set to O V and then, after the preset wait time, at time "c" a further voltage pulse of Vs is applied to the sustain electrodes Y1 to Yn. In response to this pulse, which is effectively opposite in polarity to the first voltage pulse (applied at time "a"), cells that have an amount of residual negative wall charges on the sustain electrode X (relative to the sustain electrode Y) that is great enough to enable a sustain discharge, are caused to discharge. This inverts the polarity of the residual accumulated wall charges so that positive wall charges are accumulated on the sustain electrode X of the cells concerned and negative wall charges on their sustain electrodes Y. It is not always necessary to equalize the voltage of this further pulse with the level of a sustain voltage pulse used during the sustain discharge period, provided that condition (6) is satisfied for the voltage of the further pulse. Next, all electrodes are set to 0 V, and at time "d" a voltage pulse of Va is applied to the sustain electrodes X and a voltage pulse of -Vy to the sustain electrodes Y1 to Yn. The levels of these voltage pulses are the same as those of pulses applied to the sustain electrodes X and Yi during the address period. These voltages must satisfy condition (6A) with Vax = Va. In response to the combined effect of these pulses, discharge occurs in those cells in which a discharge-enabling quantity of positive wall charges are accumulated on the sustain electrodes X (relative to the sustain electrodes Y). This discharge causes the polarity of the wall charges to be inverted again so that negative wall charges are accumulated on the sustain electrodes X and positive wall charges on the sustain electrodes Y. Thus polarities of the residual wall charges are inverted by the discharges that are initiated at times "c" and "d". In addition, these wall charges are uniformly distributed by the discharges. The voltage of a subsequent erase pulse can add to the effect of the wall charges, so as to being about discharge of the wall charges, as follows. After all electrodes have again been set to 0 V, at time "e" an erase pulse which gently rises to Vs is applied to the sustain electrodes Y1 to Yn. At the same time, a pulse of Vaw is applied to the address electrodes A1 to Am. This results in mostly erasing the wall charges, even if the discharge start voltage varies from cell to cell. Only a small quantity of wall charges will be left after application of the erase pulse. The residual wall charges are positive, opposite in effect to the polarity of the next address pulse, thus preventing unnecessary address discharge or lighting and improving the display quality. The reason why the pulse of Vaw is applied to the address electrodes A1 to Am is to prevent unnecessary discharge between the sustain electrodes Y1 to Yn and the address electrodes A1 to Am. Other operations are substantially the same as those of the third embodiment (Fig. 10), and description thereof is therefore omitted. Figure 12 shows a sub-field of voltage waveforms applied to electrodes in a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Note that, in this fifth embodiment, operations in the reset and address periods are the same as those of the third embodiment (Fig. 10). In cells in which a self-erase discharge has been carried out during the reset period and an address discharge during the address period, negative wall, charges can accumulate on the sustain electrodes X' and on the address electrodes Aj, and positive wall charges can accumulate on the sustain electrodes Yi. If the quantity of the negative charges on the address electrodes Aj is greater than that on the sustain electrodes X, and if the potential of the address electrodes Aj is lower than that of the sustain electrodes X when a sustain voltage pulse is applied, a discharge will occur between the sustain electrodes Yi and the address electrodes Aj, even if a voltage of Vs/2 is applied to the address electrodes Aj. If such a discharge occurs, then no discharge will occur between the sustain electrodes X and Yi, with the result that no sustain discharge will be produced thereafter. Accordingly, the fifth embodiment partly removes any excessive negative wall charges on the address electrodes Aj by applying a positive voltage pulse, in a range from about 1/4 to about 3/4 of the sustain voltage Vs, to the sustain electrodes X and Yi, relative to the address electrodes Aj, for example by setting the address electrodes Aj to Vs/2 and by applying a pulse of Vs to the sustain electrodes X and Y1 to Yn simultaneously. At this time, a voltage due to excessive positive wall charges on the sustain electrodes Y1 to Yn is effectively added to the potential Vs, so that the potential of the sustain electrodes Yi may become sufficiently higher than that of the address electrodes Aj to cause a weak discharge. This discharge partly removes the excessive negative wall charges on the address electrodes Aj, so that normal sustain discharge will be continued thereafter. This can prevent display errors and improve the display quality of the PDP. Figure 13 shows a sub-field of voltage waveforms applied to the electrodes in a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Note that this sixth embodiment solves the problem mentioned in regard to the fifth embodiment in a different way. Further, the operations during reset and sustain discharge periods of the sixth embodiment are the same as those of the third embodiment (Fig. 10). Address discharge, started between the address electrodes Aa and the sustain electrode Ys in the address period, triggers a discharge between the sustain electrodes X and Ys. This discharge causes sufficient wall charges to be accumulated to enable sustain discharge between the sustain electrodes X and Ys to be produced. Then the discharge ends. A pulse of Va applied to the address electrodes Aa is thus sufficient if it triggers discharge between the sustain electrodes X and Ys, so in this embodiment the potential of the address electrodes Aa is reset to zero just after the start of discharge between the address electrodes Aa and the sustain electrodes Ys. Since the potential of the address electrodes Aa is then lower than that of the sustain electrodes X, the address electrodes Aa will not accumulate a negative wall charge relative to the sustain electrodes X. Therefore, a first sustain pulse, instead of producing an unwanted discharge between the address electrodes Aa and the sustain electrode Ys, will produce the required normal sustain discharge. A preferred length of the address pulse is about one to two microseconds with an address cycle time of three microseconds, although it is dependent on the kind of gas sealed in the cavity and the size and material of the cells. Figure 14 is a block diagram showing a plasma display unit 20 operating in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The plasma display unit 20 employs the driving method of Fig. 11 (fourth embodiment). In Fig. 14, reference numeral 21 denotes a display panel corresponding to the panel 130 of Fig. 1C, 22 denotes a power source circuit, 23 denotes an address driver (121), 24 denotes a Y-common driver (corresponding to the Y driver of 124 of Fig. 1C), 25 denotes a scan driver (123), 26 denotes an X-common driver (X driver 122), and 27 denotes a control circuit (110). The display panel 21 has a first glass substrate on which address electrodes A1 to Am are arranged in parallel. A second glass substrate faces the first glass substrate and supports sustain electrodes X and Y1 to Yn that are orthogonal to the address electrodes A1 to Am. The sustain electrodes X form pairs respectively with the sustain electrodes Y1 to Yn. Corresponding respective ends of the sustain electrodes X are connected together in common. As shown in Fig. 14, the power source circuit 22 generates voltages which are applied to the electrodes through the address driver 23, Y-common driver 24, scan driver 25, and X-common driver 26. The address driver 23, Y-common driver 24, scan driver 25, and X-common driver 26 are controlled in response to signals provided by the control circuit 27. Note that the control circuit 27 generates these signals according to externally supplied display data DATA, a dot clock signal CLK synchronous to the display data DATA, a vertical synchronous signal VSYNC, and a horizontal synchronous signal HSYNC. The address driver 23 includes a shift register 231 having a serial data input for receiving serial display data from the control circuit 27 and a clock input for receiving a shift pulse from the control circuit 27, a latch circuit 232 for latching parallel display data stored in the shift register 231 after the shift register 231 secures display data for a line, and an address electrode drive circuit 233 which is turned ON and OFF in response to an output of the latch circuit 232 and provides a drive voltage in response to a control signal from the control circuit 27. The address electrode drive circuit 233 has m outputs connected respectively to the address electrodes A1 to Am. The scan driver 25 includes a Y-drive circuit 251, which has a serial data input for receiving "1" in synchronism with the start of an address period in each sub-field and a clock input for receiving a shift pulse synchronous to an address cycle, and a Y-drive circuit 252 that is turned ON and OFF in response to output bits from the Y-drive circuit 251 and provides a drive voltage in response to a control signal from the control circuit 27. The Y-drive circuit 252 has outputs connected respectively to the sustain electrodes Y1 to Yn. The Y-common driver 24 provides a common drive voltage to the sustain electrodes Y1 to Yn through the Y-drive circuit 252. Note that, in Fig. 14, potential Vcc is for logic circuits, and potential Vd is for drive circuits. Figure 15 shows drive circuits of the address driver 23, Y-common driver 24, scan driver 25, and X-common driver 26 for a cell 10 in the display panel 21. In Fig. 15, reference numeral 233 denotes an address electrode drive circuit, 24 denotes a Y-common driver, 252i denotes Yi-drive circuits (scan driver), and 26 denotes an X-common driver. The address electrode drive circuit 233 has a voltage step-up circuit 233a which is common for the address electrodes Aj, and Aj-drive circuits 233bj (only one being shown) having outputs which are connected respectively to the address electrodes Aj (j=1 to m). The output of the voltage step-up circuit 233a is connected to a common input of each of the Aj-drive circuits 233b1 to 233bm. In the voltage step-up circuit 233a, a power source line of potential Va is connected to the anode of a diode D1 and to one end of a resistor R1. The other end of the resistor R1 is connected to the cathode of a zener diode D2, one side of a capacitor C1, and one end of a switch element SW1. The other end of the switch element SW1 is connected to one end of a switch element SW2 and one side of a capacitor C2. The other side of the capacitor C2 is connected to the cathode of the diode D1. The anode of the zener diode D2, the other side of the capacitor C1, and the other end of the switch element SW2 are connected to a ground line. The voltage step-up circuit 233a provides the potential Va during the address period and the potential Vaw during other periods. A terminal-to-terminal voltage of the capacitor C1 is equal to the breakdown voltage Vas of the zener diode D2. The switch element SW1 is OFF and the switch element SW2 is ON during the address period, so that the output voltage of the voltage step-up circuit 233a is Va. During the periods other than the address period, the switch element SW2 is OFF and the switch element SW1 is ON, so that the voltage Va of the capacitor C1 is added to the voltage Vs of the capacitor C2. As a result, the voltage step-up circuit 233a provides Vaw = Va+Vs. In the Aj-drive circuit 233bj, the anode of a diode D3, the cathode of a diode D4, one end of a switch element SW3, and one end of a switch element SW4 are connected to the address electrode Aj. The cathode of the diode D3 and the other end of the switch element SW3 are connected to the output of the voltage step-up circuit 233a. The anode of the diode D4 and the other end of the switch element SW4 are connected to the ground line. When the switch element SW3 is ON and the switch element SW4 is OFF, the voltage step-up circuit 233a provides the address electrode Aj with the output voltage Va or Vaw. When the switch element SW3 is OFF and the switch element SW4 is ON, the address electrode Aj receives 0 V. The Y-drive circuit has the Y-common driver 24, and Yi-drive circuits (scan driver) 252i whose outputs are connected respectively to the sustain electrodes Yi (i=1 to n). Outputs of the Y-common driver 24 are connected respectively to inputs of the Yi-drive circuits 2521 to 252n. In the Y-common driver 24, one end of a switch element SW5 is connected to the ground line, and one end of a switch element SW6 is connected to a power source line of potential Vs. The other end of the switch element SW5 is connected to the power source line of potential Vs through a diode D5, and to a line SD through a diode D6. The line SD is connected to a power source line of potential -Vsc through a diode D7 and a switch element SW7. The line SD is also connected to a power source line of potential -Vy through a switch element SW8. The other end of the switch element SW6 is connected to the ground line through a diode D8, and to a line SU through a switch element SW10. The line SU is connected to the power source line of potential Vs through a resistor R2 and a switch element SW9, and to the power source line of potential -Vy through a switch element SW11. In each Yi-drive circuit 252i, the anode of a diode D9, the cathode of a diode D10, one end of a switch element SW12, and one end of a switch element SW13 are connected to the sustain electrode Yi. The cathode of the diode D9 and the other end of the switch element SW12 are connected to the line SD. The anode of the diode D10 and the other end of the switch element SW13 are connected to the line SU. When the switch element SW8 is ON and the other switch elements are OFF during the reset period, a current from the sustain electrode Yi flows through the diode D9, line SD, and switch element SW8, so that the sustain electrode Yi is set to the potential -Vy. When the switch element SW9 is ON and the other switch elements are OFF, the potential Vs for a gently rising erase pulse is applied to the sustain electrode Yi through the resistor R2 and diode D10. The gradation of the rise of the pulse is determined by the resistor R2 and electrode-to-electrode static capacitance. The potential Vs for sustain pulses during the reset and sustain discharge periods is applied to the sustain electrode Y1 through the switch elements SW6 and SW10 and diode D10 when the switch elements SW6 and SW10 are ON and the other switch elements are OFF. During the address period, the switch elements SW7 and SW11 are ON and the other switch elements OFF, so that the unselective potential -Vsc and selective potential -Vy are applied to the Yi-drive circuit 252i. At this time, the switch element SW10 is OFF to prevent a current to the power source line of potential -Vy through the diode D8. The diode D6 prevents a current to the line SD through a protective reverse diode (Fig. 16) connected to the switch element SW5. Under these conditions, the switch element SW13 is turned ON to apply the scan pulse potential -Vy to the sustain electrode Yi. When the switch element SW12 is turned ON, the unselective potential -Vsc is applied to the sustain electrode Yi. These operations are carried out sequentially from i = 1 to n. To reduce to zero the positive potential on the sustain electrode Yi, the switch element SW5 is turned ON and the other switch elements are turned OFF. As a result, a current flows from the sustain electrode Yi through the diodes D9 and D6 and switch element SW5, to zero the potential of the sustain electrode Yi. To remove negative potential from the sustain electrode Yi, the switch element SW10 is turned ON, and the other switch elements are turned OFF. As a result, a current flows from the diode D8 through the switch element SW10 and diode D10, to zero the potential of the sustain electrode Yi. In the X-common driver 26, an end of a capacitor C3 is connected to a power source line of potential Vw through a switch element SW14, and to the ground line through a switch element SW15. The other end of the capacitor C3 is connected to the power source line of potential Vs through the cathode and anode of a diode D11, and to the sustain electrode X through a switch element SW16. The sustain electrode X is connected to the ground line through a switch element SW17 and to the power source line of potential Va through the cathode and anode of a diode D12 and a switch element SW18. The switch elements SW16 and SW17 are connected in parallel respectively with opposite diodes D13 and D14. The diode D11, capacitor C3, switch element SW13, and switch element SW14 form a step-up circuit. When the switch element SW14 is OFF and the switch element SW15 ON, the cathode potential of the diode D11 becomes Vs. In this condition, the switch element SW15 is turned OFF and the switch element SW14 ON, to step up the cathode potential of the diode D11 from Vs to Vs+Vw. Accordingly, when the switch element SW16 is ON, the potential Vs for a sustain pulse or the potential Vs+Vw for a write pulse is applied to the sustain electrode X. In the address period, the switch element SW18 is ON and the other switch elements OFF, and therefore the sustain electrode X holds the potential Va. To drop the sustain electrode X to 0 V, the switch elements SW16 and SW18 are turned OFF and the switch element SW17 ON. When discharge start voltages are Vfxymin = 290 V and Vfaymax = 180 V, power source voltages are as follows: Vs = 180 V, Va = 50 V, Vw = 130 V -Vy = -150 V, -Vsc = -50 V Vcc = 5 V, Vd = 15 V . Figure 16 shows more details of the Y-drive circuit 24 of Fig. 15. The switch elements SW5, SW6, SW8, SW10, SW11 and SW13 are nMOS transistors, and the switch elements SW7, SW9 and SW12 are pMOS transistors. A diode is reversely connected between the source and drain of each of the MOS transistors. This diode serves as a MOS transistor protective diode. A resistor is connected between the gate and source of each of the MOS transistors of the switch elements SW7 to SW9 and SW11. This resistor is a leak resistor for the gate potential. A zener diode is connected to the resistor in parallel, to define a gate-source voltage to turn ON the MOS transistor. In Fig. 16, references M1 to M5 denote MOSFET driver ICs (for example, SN75372P from TI Inc.) that are usually used for PDP drive circuits, to generate a gate voltage Vgs for turning on MOS transistors to be driven. The ON voltage Vgs provides pulses through a capacitor. A reference M6 denotes a MOSFET driver IC (for example, IR2110 from IR company) whose output ends are connected to the switch elements SW5 and SW6, to form a push-pull circuit. A reference M7 denotes a 3-terminal regulator for generating floating 5 V (F.Vcc) for the Yi-drive circuit 252i according to potential Vd accumulated in a capacitor on the input I side. The capacitor on the input I side is charged only during a period in which the switch element SW5 is ON to keep the line SU at 0 V. A switch element SW19 turns ON/OFF the potential Vd applied to the input end of M7 and turns ON the switch element SW10. The switch element SW11 serves to turn OFF the switch element SW10 and to apply scan potential to the line SU during the address period, to simplify the circuit. When the switch element SW11 is turned ON, a current from the line SU flows through the diode and zener diode connected between the gate and source of the switch element SW10 and through the switch element SW11 to the power source line of potential -Vy. As a result, the potential of the line SU drops to -Vy. At this time, a voltage between the gate and source of the switch element SW10 becomes 0 V to automatically turn OFF the switch element SW10. Accordingly, efficient operation and simple circuitry are realized. To again turn ON the switch element SW10, the switch element SW5 is turned ON to set 0 V on the lines SD and SU. Then, the switch element SW19 is turned ON to provide the switch element SW10 with the ON voltage Vgs. According to standard design procedures, a driver having a floating structure must be newly prepared for the switch element SW10. This embodiment requires no such driver, so the embodiment can achieve efficient operation with an inexpensive circuit structure. Figures 17A and 17B (Fig. 17) show voltage waveforms applied to the electrodes, and ON and OFF states of the switch elements, of Fig. 15. Values shown in the figures are examples. Explanations of Figs. 17A and 17B and the dielectric layer 12 will be omitted because they are easily understandable from the explanations given above. Figure 18 shows the X-drive circuit (26) of Fig. 15. In Fig. 18, transistors T14 to T18 correspond to the switch elements SW14 to SW18 of Fig. 15, respectively. Note that the transistors T16 and T17 are constituted by N-channel type MOS (nMOS) transistors in order to pass the large currents of the sustain discharge pulse and the sustain discharge current. Further, references M8 and M9 denote MOSFET driver ICs enabling a push-pull circuit to be formed by using an nMOS transistor as a pull up transistor. Figure 19 shows the address electrode drive circuit (233) of Fig. 15, Fig. 20 shows the Y-drive circuit (Yi-drive circuits 252i) of Fig. 15, and Figs. 21A and 21B show truth tables for the logic circuits of Figs. 19 and 20. Note that the truth table of Fig. 21A illustrates operation of a logic circuit 2303 of the address electrode drive circuit 233 (Fig. 19), and the truth table of Fig. 21B illustrates operation of a logic circuit 2503 of the Y-driver circuit 252i (Fig. 20). In Fig. 19, transistors T1 to T4 correspond to the switch elements SW1 to SW4 of Fig. 15, respectively. Further, a reference M11 denotes a MOSFET driver IC forming a push-pull circuit by using a nMOS transistor as a pull up transistor. Note that the address drivers are integrated, and a plurality of drive circuits (Aj-drive circuits 233bj) corresponding to about 32 to 100 bits are formed in one package (one IC device). As shown in Fig. 19, the switching operation ON/OFF of each of the address drive circuits 233bj formed in the one IC device is controlled by timing control signals (ASUS, ATSC, ASTB), display data (ADATA), and data transfer signals (ACLK, ALCH). The display data ADATA is shifted by an internal shift register 2301, and then the display data ADATA is latched by a latch circuit 2302 to convert from serial data to parallel data. Further, the parallel data (D) of the display data (output of the latch circuit 2302) , is supplied to each block (each drive circuit 233bj), so that a switching operation (ON/OFF) of each drive circuit 233bj is determined. The logic circuit 2303, which receives the control signals ATSC (TSC), ASUS (SUS), and ASTB (STB) for controlling the ON/OFF timing of the drive circuits 233bj and the parallel data D, is operated in accordance with the truth table shown in Fig. 21A, and thereby the transistors T3 and T4 are switched to control the address voltage of each address electrode. As shown in Fig. 20, similar to the address electrode drive circuit shown in Fig. 19, a plurality of drive circuits (Yi-drive circuits 252i) corresponding to about 32 to 80 bits are formed in one package (one IC device). Thus, the Y-drive circuit (Yi-drive circuits 252i) is integrated. As shown in Fig. 20, the switching operation ON/OFF of each of the Yi-drive circuits 252i formed in the one IC device is controlled by timing control signals (YTSC, YSTB), scan data (YDATA), and data transfer signal (YCLK). The scan data YDATA is shifted by an internal shift register 2502, and the scan data YDATA is converted from serial data to parallel data. Further, the parallel data (D) of the scan data (output of the shift register 2502) is supplied to each block (each drive circuit 252i), so that a switching operation (ON/OFF) of each drive circuit 252i is determined. The logic circuit 2503, which receives the control signals YTSC (TSC) and YSTB (STB) for controlling the ON/OFF timing of the drive circuits 252i and the parallel data D, is operated in accordance with the truth table shown in Fig. 21B, and thereby the transistors T12 and T13 are switched to control the address voltage of each address electrode. Note that, in Fig. 20, a reference numeral 2501 denotes a photocoupler. This photocoupler is used to bring the data YDATA and signals YCLK, YTSC, YSTB into the floating state, since the shift register 2502 operates by adding onto the sustain pulses, and the like. The cell structure of a PDP in an embodiment of the present invention is not limited to that of Fig. 1A, provided that there are pairs of sustain electrodes X and Yi which extend in parallel with each other, and address electrodes spaced apart from the sustain electrodes and orthogonal to them. These three kinds of electrodes may be arranged on the same substrate. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described in this specification. Many different embodiments of the present invention may be constructed without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims: A method of driving a surface discharge plasma display panel having first and second substrates (11, 14), arranged so that respective main surfaces thereof face one another with a discharge space (17) therebetween containing a discharge gas, first elongate electrodes (X) extending parallel to one another and arranged on the said first substrate (11) at the said main surface thereof and covered by dielectric material (12), second elongate electrodes (Yi) arranged on the said first substrate at the said main surface thereof and covered by dielectric material (12) and arranged respectively adjacent and parallel to the said first elongate electrodes so as to form therewith pairs of first and second electrodes, which electrode pairs (X, Yi) correspond respectively to separate display lines of the panel, and third elongate electrodes (Aj) arranged on one of the said first and second substrates so as to be separated from the said electrode pairs whilst crossing them orthogonally to define, at respective crossing points, the locations of discharge cells (10) of the panel, which cells can be turned ON and OFF selectively, which method comprises: a reset step of applying between the said first and second electrodes (X, Yi) associated with a selected discharge cell a first voltage pulse, of a height greater than that needed to initiate a discharge in the said discharge space, so as to cause a potential difference to be built up, in the selected cell, by wall charges accumulated in the respective vicinities of those two electrodes; a write step of applying a second voltage pulse, between the second and third electrodes (Yi, Aj) associated with the selected cell, so as to turn ON the selected cell; and a sustain step of applying a series of sustain voltage pulses, alternating in effective polarity, between the first and second electrodes (X, Yi) so as to maintain the selected cell in the ON condition; characterised in that the height (Vw + Vs) of the said first voltage pulse is such that the said potential difference built up in the selected cell is greater than the minimum voltage needed to initiate such a discharge in that cell when the said first, second and third electrodes are held at the same potential as one another; and in that the said first, second, and third electrodes (X, Yi, Aj) are held at the same potential as one another for a preset time, commencing upon termination of the said first voltage pulse, such as to enable a neutralizing discharge to occur in the said discharge space (17) so as to substantially cancel out the respective wall charges in the vicinities of the said first and second associated electrodes before commencement of the said write step. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said preset time is in the range from 5 microseconds to 50 microseconds. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said preset time is about 20 microseconds. A method as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein an erase voltage pulse that increases gently in magnitude to a final height (Vs) lower than that (Vf) needed to initiate a discharge between the said first and second electrodes is applied between the said first and second electrodes (X, Yi) after the end of the said preset time but before commencement of the said write step, which erase voltage pulse can combine in effect with a potential difference due to residual wall charges remaining in the vicinities of the said first and second electrodes, after the said neutralizing discharge, to produce a discharge serving to cancel such residual wall charges. A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the effectiveness of the said erase pulse is enhanced by applying first and second further voltage pulses, each of a magnitude lower than that (Vf) needed to initiate a discharge between the said first and second electrodes, between those two electrodes during an interval between the end of the said preset time and the application of the said erase voltage pulse, the first further voltage pulse being effectively opposite in polarity to the said first voltage pulse, and the second further voltage pulse being effectively of the same polarity as the said first voltage pulse, so that the two further voltage pulses can combine with the effects of such residual wall charges to produce respective discharges each serving to invert the distribution of those wall charges. A method as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the said three electrodes are held at the same potential as one another from the termination of the said first voltage pulse until the application of the said second voltage pulse. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the said first voltage pulse is generated by applying a sustain voltage pulse to one of the said first and second electrodes and a further voltage pulse, opposite in polarity to that sustain voltage pulse, to the other (X) of the said first and second electrodes. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the potential of the third (Aj) of the three electrodes associated with the selected cell is held at ground level during the application of the said first voltage pulse. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the said first voltage pulse is applied entirely to one of the said first and second electrodes whilst the other of those two electrodes is held at ground level. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein, during the application of the first voltage pulse, the potential of the said third (Aj) of the said three electrodes is held substantially equal to the average of the respective potentials of the said first and second electrodes (X, Yi). A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the said first, second and third electrodes (X, Yi, Aj) are held at ground level immediately before and immediately after the application of the said first voltage pulse. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, the said second voltage pulse being of a height greater than that needed to initiate a discharge between the said second and third electrodes (Yi, Aj) associated with the selected cell, wherein a third voltage pulse is applied between the said first and second electrodes associated with the selected cell, at the same time as the said second voltage pulse is applied, the height of the third voltage pulse being greater than or equal to a functional minimum value for the said sustain voltage pulses but less than the minimum voltage needed to initiate a surface discharge between the said first and second electrodes associated with the selected cell. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the height of the said third voltage pulse is close to the said minimum voltage needed to initiate a surface discharge between the said first and second electrodes associated with the selected cell. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the said second voltage pulse is produced by applying a positive voltage pulse to the said third electrode (Aj) associated with the selected cell and a negative voltage pulse to the said second electrode (Yi) associated therewith; and the said third voltage pulse is produced by holding the associated first electrode (X) at the potential applied, during the said second voltage pulse, to the associated third electrode (Aj) while the said negative voltage pulse is applied to the associated second electrode (Yi). A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the magnitude of the said negative voltage pulse is in the range from about 1/4 to about 3/4 of the magnitude of the said third voltage. A method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the pulse length of the said second voltage pulse is smaller than that of the said third voltage pulse. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the potential of the said third electrodes (Aj) is held positive during the said sustain step. A method as claimed in claim 17, wherein at a time between the write step and the sustain step an additional voltage pulse is applied simultaneously to the said first and second electrodes (X, Yi) so as give them a potential, relative to the said third electrodes (Aj), that is positive and of a magnitude in a range from about 1/4 to about 3/4 of the magnitude of the said sustain voltage pulses. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein a drive circuit output connected to the said third electrodes (Aj) is provided with high impedance during the said sustain step. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: all of the said discharge cells (10) of the panel are subjected simultaneously to the said reset step; the said second electrodes (Yi) are sequentially subjected to such write steps; and all of the said pairs of first and second electrodes (X, Yi) are subjected simultaneously to the said sustain step. An apparatus for driving a surface discharge plasma display panel having first and second substrates (11, 14), arranged so that respective main surfaces thereof face one another with a discharge space (17) therebetween containing a discharge gas, first elongate electrodes (X) extending parallel to one another and arranged on the said first substrate (11) at the said main surface thereof and covered by dielectric material (12), second elongate electrodes (Yi) arranged on the said first substrate at the said main surface thereof and covered by dielectric material (12) and arranged respectively adjacent and parallel to the said first elongate electrodes so as to form therewith pairs of first and second electrodes, which electrode pairs (X, Yi) correspond respectively to separate display lines of the panel, and third elongate electrodes (Aj) arranged on one of the said first and second substrates so as to be separated from the said electrode pairs whilst crossing them orthogonally to define, at respective crossing points, the locations of discharge cells (10) of the panel, which cells can be turned ON and OFF selectively, which apparatus includes: reset means for causing a first voltage pulse to be applied between the said first and second electrodes (X, Yi) associated with a selected discharge cell, the said first voltage pulse being of a height greater than that needed to initiate a discharge in the said discharge space, thereby to cause a potential difference to be built up, in the selected cell, by wall charges accumulated in the respective vicinities of those two electrodes; write means for causing a second voltage pulse to be applied, between the second and third electrodes (Yi, Aj) associated with the selected cell, so as to turn ON the selected cell; and sustain means for applying a series of sustain voltage pulses, alternating in effective polarity, between the first and second electrodes (X, Yi) so as to maintain the selected cell in the ON condition; characterised in that the height (Vw + Vs) of the said first voltage pulse is such that the said potential difference built up in the selected cell, when the apparatus is in use, is greater than the minimum voltage needed to initiate such a discharge in that cell when the said first, second and third electrodes are held at the same potential as one another; and in that the apparatus further includes means for holding the said first, second, and third electrodes (X, Yi, Aj) at the same potential as one another for a preset time, commencing upon termination of the said first voltage pulse, such as to enable a neutralizing discharge to occur in the said discharge space (17) so as to substantially cancel out the respective wall charges in the vicinities of the said first and second associated electrodes before the said second voltage pulse is applied by the said write means. An apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein the said preset time is in the range from 5 microseconds to 50 microseconds. An apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein the said preset time is about 20 microseconds. An apparatus as claimed in claim 21, 22 or 23, including means operative to apply, between the said first and second electrodes (X, Yi), after the end of the said preset time but before application of the said second voltage pulse, an erase voltage pulse that increases gently in magnitude to a final height (Vs) lower than that (Vf) needed to initiate a discharge between the said first and second electrodes, which erase voltage pulse can combine in effect with a potential difference due to residual wall charges remaining in the vicinities of those two electrodes, after the said neutralizing discharge, to produce a discharge serving to cancel such residual wall charges. An apparatus as claimed in claim 24, including means for enhancing the effectiveness of the said erase pulse by applying first and second further voltage pulses, each of a magnitude lower than that (Vf) needed to initiate a discharge between the said first and second electrodes, between those two electrodes during an interval between the end of the said preset time and the application of the said erase voltage pulse, the first further voltage pulse being effectively opposite in polarity to the said first voltage pulse, and the second further voltage pulse being effectively of the same polarity as the said first voltage pulse, so that the two further voltage pulses can combine with the effects of such residual wall charges to produce respective discharges each serving to invert the distribution of those wall charges. An apparatus as claimed in claim 21, 22 or 23, including means operative to hold the said three electrodes (X, Yi, Aj) at the same potential as one another from the termination of the said first voltage pulse until the application of the said second voltage pulse. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the first voltage pulse is generated by applying a sustain voltage pulse to one of the said first and second electrodes and a further voltage pulse, opposite in polarity to that sustain voltage pulse, to the other (X) of the said first and second electrodes. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 27, including means operative to hold the potential of the third (Aj) of the three electrodes associated with the selected cell at ground level during the application of the said first voltage pulse. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the reset means are such that the said first voltage pulse is applied entirely to one of the said first and second electrodes whilst the other of the said first and second electrodes is held at ground level. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 29, including means operative during the application of the first voltage pulse to hold the potential of the said third (Aj) of the said three electrodes substantially equal to the average of the respective potentials of the said first and second electrodes (X, Yi). An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 30, including means operative to hold the said first, second, and third electrodes (X, Yi, Aj) at ground level immediately before and immediately after the application of the said first voltage pulse. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 31, the said second voltage pulse being of a height greater than that needed to initiate a discharge between the said second and third electrodes (Yi, Aj) associated with the selected cell, including means operative to apply a third voltage pulse between the said first and second electrodes associated with the selected cell, at the same time as the said second voltage pulse is applied, the height of the third voltage pulse being greater than or equal to a functional minimum value for the said sustain voltage pulses, but less than the minimum voltage needed to initiate a surface discharge between the said first and second electrodes associated with the selected cell. An apparatus as claimed in claim 32, wherein the height of the said third voltage pulse is close to the said minimum voltage needed to initiate a surface discharge between the said first and second electrodes associated with the selected cell. An apparatus as claimed in claim 32, including means operative to produce the said second voltage pulse by applying a positive voltage pulse to the said third electrode (Aj) associated with the selected cell and a negative voltage pulse to the said second electrode (Yi) associated therewith; and means operative to produce the said third voltage pulse by holding the associated first electrode (X) at the potential applied, during the said second voltage pulse, to the associated third electrode (Aj) while the said negative voltage pulse is applied to the associated second electrode (Yi). An apparatus as claimed in claim 34, wherein the magnitude of the said negative voltage pulse is in the range from about 1/4 to about 3/4 of the magnitude of the said third voltage. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 35, wherein the pulse length of the said second voltage pulse is smaller than that of the said third voltage pulse. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 36, including means operative to hold the potential of the said third electrodes (Aj) positive during the application of the said sustain voltage pulses. An apparatus as claimed in claim 37, including means operative to apply an additional voltage pulse simultaneously to the said first and second electrodes (X, Yi), at a time between operation of the said write means and operation of the said sustain means, so as give them a potential, relative to the said third electrodes (Aj), that is positive and of a magnitude in a range from about 1/4 to about 3/4 of the magnitude of the said sustain voltage pulses. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 37, including means operative to provide a drive circuit output of the apparatus, which circuit is connected to the said third electrodes (Aj), with high impedance during the application of the said sustain voltage pulses. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 39, including means operative to apply positive voltage pulses (Vs) to the said second electrodes (Yi) during the operation of the said sustain means, and to apply a negative voltage (-VY, -Vsc) to the said second electrodes during operation of the said write means. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 40, wherein: all of the said first electrodes (X) are connected to an output of a common first-electrode driver (26), the said second electrodes (Yi) are connected to respective outputs of individual second-electrode drive circuits (252i), which drive circuits (252i) are all connected to receive operating power from a common second-electrode driver, and the said third electrodes (Aj) are connected to respective outputs of a third-electrode drive circuit (233bj). An apparatus as claimed in claim 41, wherein the said common second-electrode driver (24) includes first switching means (SW10; T10) switchable into an open condition for preventing unwanted current flow into the said individual second-electrode drive circuits (252i) from being caused by negative and positive voltage pulses applied during operation of the said write and sustain means. An apparatus as claimed in claim 42, further comprising second switching means (SW11; T11), switchable to apply the said negative voltage to the said second electrodes and thereupon to switch the said first switching means into the said open condition. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 43, wherein the said plasma display panel has a phosphor layer (15) formed over the said main surface of the second substrate (14). An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 44, wherein: the said reset means operate on all of the said discharge cells of the panel simultaneously; the said write means operate upon the said second electrodes (Yi) sequentially; and the said sustain means operate on all of the said pairs of first and second electrodes (X, Yi) simultaneously. A method as claimed in claim 1, using apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 45.

Inventors: KANAZAWA YOSHIKAZU, KANAZAWA, YOSHIKAZU, KANAZAWA, YOSHIKAZU, C/O FUJITSU LIMITED
Applicants: FUJITSU LTD, FUJITSU LIMITED
Application year: 1994
Main classification: G09G3
IPC codes: G09G3